22-26 August 2018 : World Meeting of Families

The WMOF2018 Volunteer Application Process is now Open

The World Meeting of Families comes to Ireland!

Dublin, Ireland, has been chosen by Pope Francis to host the next World Meeting of Families in August 2018. Started by Saint John Paul II, and held every three years, this major world event celebrates family as the cornerstone of our lives, and the fundamental building block of society and the Church.

Families and others from all over the world will gather in Dublin from 22-26 August 2018 to celebrate their lives together, to share their experiences from different parts of the world, to reflect on the different challenges they face and to grow together in faith. The theme chosen by Pope Francis for WMOF2018 is, The Gospel of the Family: Joy for the World.

The event will consist of a joyful and reflective programme of workshops, talks and discussions for adults; an engaging and exciting programme for young people as well as faith and fun activities for children. WMOF2018 will include the daily celebration of Mass, a festival of families event, exhibitions, cultural events and musical performances, events around the city, gestures of solidarity with those in need, and much more. Visit the Programme section for more information.

World Meeting of Families is promoted by the Holy See’s Dicastery for Laity, the Family and Life. In September 2016, this new Dicastery brought together the Pontifical Council for the Laity, the Pontifical Council for the Family and the Pontifical Academy for Life. The Prefect of the new Dicastery is Dublin-born Cardinal-elect Kevin Joseph Farrell, previously Bishop of Dallas, Texas in the US.

The World Meeting of Families comes to Dublin

The WMOF is organised by a host diocese chosen by the Pope. For 2018, Pope Francis chose the Archdiocese of Dublin, in Ireland. To fulfill this task, the Archdiocese of Dublin has appointed a team to work with the families, young people, women and men, clergy, religious and others from all over Ireland who will be involved in the planning of the event. Father Timothy Bartlett has been appointed as Secretary General and Anne Griffin as General Manager for WMOF2018.

An official prayer, logo and hymn will be especially prepared for WMOF2018, as well as a catechetical programme to guide the journey of preparation for the event. This will draw largely from the Apostolic Exhortation Amoris Laetitia (The Joy of Love), published by Pope Francis in March 2016, following the Synods on the family held in 2014 and 2015.

A Papal Visit?

It is too early to know if Pope Francis will attend WMOF2018 in Ireland. His programme is normally announced just a few months prior to any event.

Such a visit by Pope Francis would bring great joy to Irish Catholics and others, but the final decision will depend on many factors.